Breaking Bad Bedtime Habits

I would put a baby gate up so that she isn't banging on the door, if that is a problem. Then, I would talk to the neighbors and let them know that starting Friday night (easier on weekends) that you are going to try to break this habit, and it may involve some crying. You also have to be okay with the 6 month old being woken up a couple nights. It took us 2 nights for my son to stop screaming at night and my daughter didn't even wake up. (He wanted covers, a toy, another kiss, just us, etc.) But, luckily he stays in his bed (he knows that if he doesn't he goes back to a crib. :)

You've already reinforced her idea that if she screams loud enough and bangs on the door long enough, you'll cave. Why would she stop? All she has to do is crank up the drama, and she gets her way! Say good night, shut the door, and don't open it until morning, period. She'll give up eventually, but not before she gets worse, because she thinks worse behavior will get her what she wants. You created the monster, now you have to deal with it. Just remember it the next time you give in to her tantrums. It won't take more than a couple of nights to change this at this age. Good luck, and buy yourself and the neighbors some earplugs!

My friend went through this with her daughter. She started laying in bed with her daughter until she fell asleep...but just for a few nights. Then she sat on the floor next to the bed...then a little further away...and a little further away, until she was eventually sitting on the living room floor (where her daughter could still see her). It took about a month until her daughter was okay with not being able to see Mommy. When Lily would ask for a drink of water, Mommy just said "Just a minute honey, Mommy's busy right now...why don't you close your eyes and I'll bring you a cup of water when I'm finished". By the time Mommy wasn't busy, Lily was sleeping...but she always puts a cup of water by Lily's bed so she knows Mommy didn't forget about her when she woke up in the morning!

I believe nighttime parenting is just as important as daytime parenting. Just because it's nighttime and I'm tired, doesn't mean my kids stop needing me. She obviously needs you. She may not need anything more than to be held and loved and reasure, but she clearly needs you. Many prescoolers go through this stage. Their imaginations are so strong, and so many things about the world are new and exciting and scarry. Reasure her and remind her that you are always there for here, even at night. It will help her sleep better knowing she's safe.

maybe remove all her things in her room except for her bed and dressor (toys or things entertaining) start punishing her to any extreme you think will get her attention until she stops

Wow. I cannot imagine putting my 3 year old in a room with no access to us all night. I guess you'd know if this is a control issue or if she needs company. Clearly I'm not a fan of crying it out. I like Libby's approach. Also, try a sticker chart. Draw a chart with all the things you do at night/morning -- including staying in bed til daylight. She gets a sticker for each thing she does right. This is surprisingly effective.

Check out these sleeping suggestions:

http://www.theskinnyscoop.com/search/sleep?utm_campaign=t...

If I was locked in a dark room at night by myself, I would be upset, too. Why not just take her back to bed when she gets up or put a safety gate in front of her door so she can see out? We all want a good night's sleep but not until our children are older will they understand and respect that.